Can a non-hotel guest access DTD from the Grand Californian (and vice-versa)? We're staying in a house about 1/2 mile away and are trying to figure out the best pedestrian route. This is our FIRST TRIP IN SIX YEARS!! Thanks in advance!
I don't see why not. However, you might not be able to use the special DCA entrance from the Grand Californian without being a guest due to new security. However, I haven't tried it recently.
In order to get onto the GCH property from the street, you will need to prove that you are a guest at the GCH to the security guard posted there on the sidewalk. Otherwise, you have to enter Downtown Disney at one of the pedestrian entrances. I believe, however, that these restrictions do not apply the other way around. Meaning, you can get into the GCH from Downtown Disney without being a guest of the hotel.
We often used the entrance through the GCH without actually staying on property. However, that was before the beefed-up security for DTD. According to an article I found, if I'm reading it correctly, you do not have to pass security to enter GCH. The original security from hotel to park is the same. Everything You Need To Know About Disneyland's New Security Procedures - TouringPlans.com Blog | TouringPlans.com Blog
We have not tried to enter the GCH from the street recently so I do not know if there is a new problem. I do not see how as there are restaurants and a bar and shops. We have always walked from our hotel and then through the lobby and walkway to DTD. But we have not tried that since the new security checkpoints. We did, however, decide to leave DCA through the hotel exit. We did not realize we were leaving the secure area and had to go through security again to enter DTD. So DTD is secure but the GCH is not. There are still signs at the DCA entrance that say it is for guests only; so they do have the option to turn people away.
You are able to enter GCH from the street if you have a dining reservation or are currently a guest staying at the hotel. The walk around to the DTD security point doesn't add that much walking to your route. You can enter GCH from DTD regardless of where you are staying. I highly recommend having a nice libation at the Hearthstone Lounge...the bartenders make lovely wine recommendations.
